Biography

Chance Nalley grew up in Northern Maine where he also attended university, earning his B.A. and B.Sc. degrees in mathematics and education. He moved to New York City where he attended graduate school at Columbia University’s Teachers College, earning his M.A., M.Sc., and M.Ed. degrees in mathematics education. As an educator, Chance is devoted to the successful achievement of all students in equitable and inclusive STEAM programs. He has led mathematics departments at top-tier public and independent schools. In his own teaching, he strives to provide rigorous, innovative instruction with compassion and patience; he seeks to inspire students to ask “why”, delve deeper, and take pride in their work. Among his awards and accolades he has been recognized as a Master Teacher and Teacher of Honor. In 2013, he received the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching, the United States’ highest teaching honor in these subjects. A passionate lifelong student, Chance continues to further his understanding of mathematics education. He has traveled around the world to study education systems and mathematics curriculum, including the mathematics program of U.K. schools and teacher preparation programs of Singapore, Vietnam, and Cambodia. Throughout the pandemic, Chance continued his professional development through webinars and conferences covering mathematics, health, diversity, and leadership.